ere. Your knowledge will be of service to them,
and you shall receive in time a share of the profits besides your
regular salary."

Here was a hand stretched out from heaven to save him. "I should be
very glad to undertake it, certainly," returned Lenz, turning red and
hot; "but you know, doctor, it has always been my endeavor to form an
association of all the clockmakers of our district. Various
circumstances have thus far prevented my accomplishing this plan, but I
still cherish it, and therefore can only join this enterprise on
condition that your two sons promise to connect the manufactory with
the association, perhaps in time even to make it a part of the property
of the association."

"That is precisely our intention; I am glad to see you still so
thoughtful of others."

"Agreed then; yet I must make one other condition; please say nothing
of our plan till--" Lenz hesitated.

"Well, till when?"

"Till I have spoken with my wife. She has her own ideas on such
matters."

"I know her well. She is always rightly disposed when her pride does
not stand in the way. An honest pride is greatly to be respected."

Lenz cast down his eyes, accepting the doctor's lesson, so kindly and
courteously given.

His thoughts quickly reverted to the manufactory, however, and he
begged leave to ask the doctor yet another question.

"Certainly; don't be so modest."

"Who among our best workmen are to be admitted?"

"We have as yet spoken with no one. Proebler we shall offer some
subordinate position to,--not so high a place as yours, of course. He
is ingenious, and his ingenuity may, perhaps, be turned to practical
account. The poor devil ought to be put in the way of laying up
something for his old age. He has been almost out of his senses since
his grand secret was sold at auction."

After some hesitation Lenz told of the condition in which he had found
Proebler, and said, in conclusion: "I have one more favor to ask,
doctor. I cannot myself speak with my uncle; will you intercede with
him for me? You are the foremost man in our district, and one to whom
nobody, with a heart in his body, can refuse a request. I do not think,
the more I consider the matter, that my wife will consent to my
entering the factory, and, as you yourself say, her pride is to be
respected."

"I will go at once. Shall I leave you here, or will you go with me to
the town?"

"I will go with you."

He shook hands all round, each one wishing hi